'Epilogue To Asolando' by Robert Browning
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At the midnight in the silence of the sleep-time,
When you set your fancies free,
Will they pass to where--by death, fools think, imprisoned--
Low he lies who once so loved you, whom you loved so,
--Pity me?
Oh to love so, be so loved, yet so mistaken!
What had I on earth to do
With the slothful, with the mawkish, the unmanly?
Like the aimless, helpless, hopeless, did I drivel
--Being--who?
One who never turned his back but marched breast forward,
Never doubted clouds would break,
Never dreamed, though right were worsted, wrong would triumph,
Held we fall to rise, are baffled to fight better,
Sleep to wake.
No, at noonday in the bustle of man's work-time
Greet the unseen with a cheer!
Bid him forward, breast and back as either should be,
"Strive and thrive!" cry, "Speed--fight on, fare ever
There as here!"
Editor 1 Interpretation
Epilogue to Asolando: A Literary Criticism
Robert Browning’s Epilogue to Asolando is a beautiful piece of poetry that reflects on the poet’s life and legacy. Written in his final days, the poem is filled with a sense of melancholy and reflection, as Browning contemplates his own mortality and the impact he has had on the world. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes and imagery in the poem, as well as the historical context in which it was written.
Historical Context
Before delving into the poem itself, it is important to understand the historical context in which it was written. Browning began writing the poems for his final collection, Asolando, during the winter of 1888-1889, while he was staying in Asolo, Italy. He had been living in Italy for several years, having first traveled there with his wife Elizabeth Barrett Browning in the mid-1800s.
Despite his advanced age and failing health, Browning remained active and engaged with the world around him. He continued to write and publish poetry, and was highly regarded by his contemporaries. However, his health began to decline more rapidly in the late 1880s, and he began to feel the weight of his own mortality.
It is against this backdrop that Browning wrote the Epilogue to Asolando. The poem reflects his deep sense of loss and longing, as well as his hope for the future.
Themes and Imagery
One of the central themes of the poem is the passage of time and the inevitability of death. Browning opens the poem with the lines:
At the midnight in the silence of the sleep-time, When you set your fancies free, Will they pass to where - by death, fools think, imprisoned - Low he lies who once so loved you, whom you loved so.
These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with references to death and the afterlife. Browning seems to be contemplating his own mortality, and wondering what will become of him after he is gone.
However, despite the melancholic tone of the poem, there is also a sense of hope and renewal. Browning writes:
Will there dawn a day -
Youth’s splendid, passionate day -
When one more than most shall be ‘ware of the prize
So, none fall short of the full stature mark!
Here, Browning seems to be looking forward to a time when his legacy will be fully appreciated, and his work will be recognized as some of the finest poetry of the era. He imagines a future in which his poems will be read and studied by generations to come, and his influence will be felt throughout the literary world.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea of love and the power it has to transcend time and death. Browning writes:
Love, we are in God’s hand.
How strange now, looks the life he makes us lead;
So free we seem, so fettered fast we are!
I feel he laid the fetter: let it lie!
Here, Browning is reflecting on the nature of love and its ability to endure even in the face of death. He suggests that love is something that transcends the physical world, and that it is ultimately in God’s hands.
Throughout the poem, Browning uses vivid imagery to convey his ideas and emotions. He describes death as a “prison” and a “fetter,” suggesting that it is something that holds us back and prevents us from fully experiencing life. However, he also uses imagery of light and hope to suggest that there is something beyond death, and that our spirits will continue to live on.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Robert Browning’s Epilogue to Asolando is a poignant reflection on life, death, and the legacy that we leave behind. The poem speaks to the universal human experience of mortality, and suggests that even in the face of death, there is hope for renewal and a continuation of the spirit.
Browning’s use of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors makes the poem both accessible and deeply moving. It is a testament to his skill as a poet, as well as his ability to capture the essence of the human experience in his work.
Overall, the Epilogue to Asolando is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece of poetry that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. Whether read as a reflection on Browning’s own life and legacy, or as a meditation on the nature of love and the passing of time, it is a work that is sure to endure for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Epilogue to Asolando: A Masterpiece of Robert Browning
Robert Browning, one of the most celebrated poets of the Victorian era, is known for his profound and complex works that explore the human psyche and the complexities of life. His poem, Epilogue to Asolando, is a masterpiece that showcases his mastery of language and his ability to convey deep emotions through his writing.
The poem was written in 1889, just a few months before Browning's death, and was included in his final collection of poems, Asolando. The poem is a reflection on life and death, and the inevitability of the latter. It is a poignant and powerful piece that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
The poem begins with the speaker acknowledging that death is inevitable and that it will come for all of us, regardless of our station in life. The speaker then goes on to describe the beauty of life and the joy that it brings, despite its fleeting nature. He speaks of the love that we share with others, the memories that we create, and the experiences that we have, all of which make life worth living.
The speaker then turns his attention to death, acknowledging that it is a natural part of life and that it should not be feared. He speaks of the peace that comes with death, and the release from the struggles and pains of life. He also acknowledges that death is a mystery, and that we cannot know what lies beyond it.
The poem then takes a more personal turn, as the speaker reflects on his own life and the legacy that he will leave behind. He speaks of the joy that he has found in his work, and the satisfaction that comes from knowing that his words will live on after he is gone. He also acknowledges that his work may not be appreciated by everyone, but that it is enough for him to know that it has touched some people's lives.
The poem ends with the speaker acknowledging that his time on earth is coming to an end, but that he is at peace with this fact. He speaks of the beauty of the world and the joy that it has brought him, and he encourages the reader to embrace life and all that it has to offer.
The poem is a powerful reflection on life and death, and the beauty and complexity of both. It is a reminder that life is fleeting and that we should make the most of the time that we have. It is also a reminder that death is a natural part of life, and that we should not fear it, but rather embrace it as a release from the struggles and pains of life.
Browning's use of language in the poem is masterful, and he conveys deep emotions through his words. His use of imagery and metaphor creates a vivid picture of life and death, and his use of repetition and rhyme adds to the musicality of the poem.
Overall, Epilogue to Asolando is a masterpiece of poetry that showcases Browning's mastery of language and his ability to convey deep emotions through his writing. It is a powerful reflection on life and death, and a reminder to embrace life and all that it has to offer.
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